Naturally, It Begins with a Question.

What is the nature of being human, and how do the arts shape our perceptions of the spiritual and physical worlds?

We'll delve into this question and learn how the arts create cultural, political and personal change through the many facets of nature during the third annual "Rites. Rights. Writes."

"Rites. Rights. Writes." is a university-wide exploration of the influence of the arts across the multiple dimensions and discourse communities of our lives. It was inspired in 2013 by the 100th anniversary of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring and the compelling challenges of advancing global human rights in the 21st century. This year, "Rites. Rights. Writes." will give us the opportunity to reflect on multiple topics inherent in Prokofiev's ballet version of the Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet: What is our nature? Who are we? How do we define ourselves?

Our focus this year continues to build on learning, contemporary developments and discoveries as we act to improve global conditions.

Main Events

Musical performances, art exhibitions, lectures, colloquia and conferences will inspire us to reflect on the complex connections of human nature and the natural world that lives within all of us — especially in the broader context of academic exploration.